Arrowtown
Thrilling River Boarding & White Water Sledge Rafting on Queenstown’s Kawarau River
The Ultimate Queenstown Water Adventure for Thrill-Seekers
Love thrills, spills, stunning views, and the rush of whitewater? Dive into an unforgettable adventure with a whitewater riverboarding experience on Queenstown’s spectacular Kawarau River.
This high-volume river is the ultimate playground for adrenaline seekers, combining pristine waters, breathtaking scenery, and heart-pounding rapids to redefine your sense of adventure.
Three Unique Riverboarding Experiences
Tailor your thrill level with one of our three exciting trip options:
- Drifting: Perfect for those seeking a gentler ride, this scenic option is ideal for less confident swimmers. Enjoy soft adventure paired with stunning views.
- Sledging: A high-energy 7 km journey through the gorge, ending at the historic Gold Mining Centre. Test your courage as you tackle exhilarating rapids.
- River Surfing: The ultimate adrenaline rush! This 12 km adventure offers a double run through the river’s most intense rapids for a whitewater experience like no other.
Each trip is crafted to harness the raw power of the Kawarau River and deliver an adventure of a lifetime.
What to Expect on the River
Your journey begins in calm waters, where our nationally qualified guides will introduce you to your gear and teach you the basics of riverboarding.
Surrounded by Queenstown’s iconic landscapes, you’ll glide through legendary rapids like:
- Chinese Dog Leg: Known for its thrilling surfing waves.
- Roaring Meg: A powerful and unforgettable section of the river.
After your first exhilarating run, you’ll have the chance to take on the river a second time for free.
Try a new style, sharpen your skills, or simply enjoy the thrill again!
Equipped with a bodyboard or river sledge, fins, booties, life jacket, and helmet, you’ll be expertly guided through every thrilling moment.
No prior experience is needed—basic swimming skills are all it takes to join the adventure.
Why Choose Riverboarding on the Kawarau River?
If you love pristine waters, amazing scenery, and a good dose of adrenaline, this is the adventure for you.
Dive into the Kawarau River and experience Queenstown’s most thrilling water activity today!
If you love thrills, nature, pristine waters, amazing scenery and a good
dose of adventure, Then look no further you have just found it!
River Boarding Adventure Options:
River Surfing Kawarau River Queenstown
The high volume Kawarau River bursts with adrenaline, and this trip will challenge your nerves from start to finish. Experience more rapids, more waves and more fun with a bodyboard.
Price: $284 per personDeparts: 8:30 am & 2:00 pm
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
Operates: September to May
River Surfing is best suited for people who want the full white water experience. An experience not to be missed if you want to try something unique, exciting and that take you out of your comfort zone.
Sledging the Kawarau River Queenstown
Get up close and personal with white water and mighty rapids on our custom made sledges. Master the River, be in control.
Price: $284 per personDeparts: 11:00 am
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
Operates: November to April
Get up close and personal with white water and mighty rapids on our custom made sledges this is ideal for those who want the River boarding experience but are lacking in confidence. This is an action packed adventure for true water lovers.
We start our trip in a secret calm eddy after an introduction on the basic sledging techniques, here you must perform the minimum skills required to experience this trip.
As we head to the main flow hold on tight and feel the power of the river as adrenaline kicks in. Ride fast flowing rapids blast through waves spin on giant whirl pools and try wicked rock jumps. There is a calm final section that allows you to take in the scenery before enjoying a delicious lunchtime snack.
Sledge 7 km of grade 2 to 3 white water on special river purpose boards that are Sturdy and easy to hold on to being very buoyant and highly manoeuvrable, the sledge keeps you slightly more above the water than bodyboards.
This is an action packed white water adventure for true water lovers.
Drift River boarding on the Kawarau River Queenstown
Riverboard historic Kawarau River at a much gentler pace
Price: $175 per person Child $155 PPDeparts: 11:00 am
Duration: Allow 4.5 Hours with approx 1 hour 30 mins on the river
Float on bodyboards through a high volume river at a gentler pace with no white water just tranquil beauty as you Riverboard down the historic Kawarau River at a much gentler pace, with the added thrill of a jet boat ride up river. Enjoy the scenery and just going with the flow!
This is the perfect Riverboarding experience for the less confident in the water.
The trip starts with an adrenaline boosting Goldfields Jet boat ride upriver enjoying spectacular scenery and hear some of this pristine river’s history. After a safety introduction you can jump into the calm section of the Kawarau River.
Finishing the adventure at the historic Goldfields Mining Centre.
What to Bring
- Swimwear and towel
- Sense of adventure
What’s provided
- Full Steam 5mm Wetsuit
- Booties
- Life Jacket
- Helmet
- Fins
- Bodyboard
- Wicked Jet Boat Ride
- Transport from Queenstown
- Kiwi Picnic Lunch
Return to Queenstown Page
Riverboarding on Kawarau River: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go riverboarding on the Kawarau River?
Answer: Not at all! While basic swimming skills are required, you don’t need to be an expert.
Our riverboarding adventures offer different options, from the more relaxed Drifting trip to high-adrenaline Sledging and River Surfing. Our guides provide full training and safety gear, including life jackets and helmets, to ensure a fun and safe experience for all skill levels.
Question: What should I bring for a riverboarding adventure on the Kawarau River?
Answer: We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.
All necessary safety equipment, including a bodyboard or river sledge, fins, booties, life jacket, and helmet, is provided. You might also want to bring a change of clothes for after your adventure.
Question: Is riverboarding safe for beginners?
Answer: Absolutely! Our riverboarding trips are led by experienced, nationally qualified guides who provide comprehensive training before you enter the water. They’re there to guide you throughout the journey, and we offer different levels of adventure, so beginners and experienced thrill-seekers alike can find an option that suits them.
Question: How long does each riverboarding trip take?
Answer: The duration of each trip varies based on the adventure you choose. Drifting is the shortest, offering a gentler experience, while Sledging is a 7 km journey, and River Surfing covers up to 12 km. Plan for a few hours to fully enjoy the adventure, from training to the river run.
